Import PDF to Form - Microsoft Access Forum


	Back to Access Forum Comments List

Upload Images @Reply Bookmark Link Email Next Unseen

Import PDF to Form

Patrick McCabe

4 years ago

Hi,
Our office fills out a lot of applications, mostly handwritten. There are 3-4 common applications and we are very familiar with what information goes where.
I am in the process of making a "simple" database to track the application status. Who has applied for what, when was the application submitted, were they approved, etc. I am realizing that if I have all the information in the database, then I could essential fill out the form to save us the hassle of hand writing everything.
My question is: If there is a pre-existing form somewhere, say a PDF file, can I import that form into Access? I could then Design the form to put "First Name" when is needs to go, etc.
I'm thinking the work around would be to design the form to line up the field to where it would be on the page. Then put a blank application in the printer. That would take alot of guess and check :)

Thanks!

Patrick McCabe OP @Reply

4 years ago

Sorry, I did not originally notice that a similar question was posted several days ago. But it doesn't look like it was answered so I don't think it was 100% terrible forum etiquette.
I also noticed that I used the word "Form" loosely. When I say form, I mean the physical application form. I do know that what I would be creating in Access would actually be a "Report."

So to rephrase my question in the right terms:
If there is a pre-existing document somewhere, say a PDF file, can I import that into Access as a Report?
Otherwise would I need to manually design the Report to line up fields where they would be on the physical form and print on a blank application?

I feel like you would know what I meant, but I need to get into the habit of clarifying.
Thanks!

Scott Axton @Reply

4 years ago

I know there was a TechHelp or course that covered something like this. I just can't find it at the moment.

In a nut shell you would scan in your "hard" form and place it as the background of your report form. Then you basically overlay the fields on the form to get the basic lay out. You are correct though. It will take some trial and error to get it just right. Once you have things just where you want them you would remove / hide the image so it doesn't print when you fill out your existing form.

I know there are ways to extract data from a PDF that has fillable fields to be able to import to your db, but I have not figured out a way to fill in a pdf form from a db.

	Kevin Robertson @Reply 4 years ago
Scott This one? Print Documents

	Scott Axton @Reply 4 years ago
Yeah Kevin - That One!

Patrick McCabe OP @Reply

4 years ago

Thank you guys for pointing out that video. Richard did use several examples of .jpg images in Reports that I could put field names on top of. I suppose I would take the PDF documents I have, snip them, then try to size it to the full page. That would allow us to maybe just print once instead of printing the hard copy of the application, then printing the Access Report over it...

The major downside is that every so often the companies who the applications changes something... It would be great if I could direct Access to look at a website and find a pdf. Then I would know the end user was using the most up to date application.

When I move on to a new job no one will know how to rebuild the Reports with the right info!

Patrick McCabe OP @Reply

4 years ago

Naturally as a relative beginner that video created as many questions as it answered. It would be ideal if I could print 1 copy, save the Report as a PDF stored to a specific location AND automatically update the ApplicationT record with a hyperlink to the PDF on their Form (or subform). I'm imaging many clients having many applications and it would be nice to have easy access to that PDF instead of having the end user having to go search for it.

I'll post again when I'm a little farther into building it.

Thanks again!

Diogo Cuba @Reply

4 years ago

Hi, Patrick. Just an idea to consider: is it possible that your company would have online forms instead of paper-based?

If that is an option you could download the responses and import them to the Database you are willing to build would have to deal with less hassle. Since people are talking about a paperless world and ESG is a thing now.

There are tons of services online for free you can choose, I usually use the Cognito Forms or Microsoft Forms (This latter I am not sure if it is paid).

This thread is now CLOSED. If you wish to comment, start a NEW discussion in Access Forum.

Next Unseen

New Feature: Comment Live View